An 1,117-acre stretch of sandy beach, dunes, and maritime forest reached via the Wauwinet Gatehouse, with 16 miles of oversand routes and walking trails out toward Coskata Woods and Great Point. Seals haul out along the shore here, and the refuge asks visitors to keep 50 yards back from them.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free for pedestrians
Dogs
Prohibited April 1-September 15; must be leashed when permitted outside that window, and never carried in vehicles during the restricted period
Banned now · back September 15Hours
Daily 9am to sunset; active surfcasters allowed anytime weather permitting. Gatehouse staffed 9am-5pm in June/Sept/Oct and 9am-6pm in July/Aug.
Managed by
The Trustees of Reservations
617-542-7696 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Restroom
seasonal portable toilets at the Wauwinet Gatehouse and on refuge grounds
Info kiosk
tire deflation station near the gatehouse (12-15 PSI) and a re-inflation air station south of it
Common questions
Is Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge open today?
Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is a public preserve in Nantucket, MA. Posted hours: Daily 9am to sunset; active surfcasters allowed anytime weather permitting. Gatehouse staffed 9am-5pm in June/Sept/Oct and 9am-6pm in July/Aug..
Do I need a permit to drive out here?
Only if you're bringing a 4x4 onto the sand; walking in on foot is free, but oversand vehicles need a permit year-round ($65 for the day, $140 for the season).
Not between April 1 and September 15. Outside that window dogs are allowed but must stay leashed and out of vehicles.
Yes, but only with written permission from the Trustees, Monday through Saturday around sunrise to sunset hours, and never on Sundays.
Where do I park at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge?
Free lot (free for pedestrians).
Is there an entry fee at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge?
Prohibited April 1-September 15; must be leashed when permitted outside that window, and never carried in vehicles during the restricted period
What rules should I know at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge?
Vehicle speed limit is 15 mph throughout the refuge. Sections may close on short notice for environmental conditions; text CCWRTTOR to 888-313-1761 for real-time updates. Do not approach or feed seals; stay 50 yards away. Swimming prohibited north of Marker 5.